Behind the Star

Behind the Star is the official podcast of the Orange County Sheriff's Office, the largest law enforcement agency in Central Florida. From forensics to dispatch to the deputies on patrol, we share stories and talk to the brave men and women of law enforcement.

Inside the 911 Call Center 07/05/2024

Inside the 911 Call Center In this episode of Behind the Star, Garbrielle Griffith, an Emergency Communications Specialist, and Nikayla Phillip , a 911 Supervisor, share their experiences from the front lines of emergency response. They recount some of the most impactful calls they've handled, offering a glimpse into the intense and often unpredictable nature of their work. Garbrielle and Nikayla discuss what it takes to thrive in this demanding role, the kind of person best suited for the job and the preparation required to handle the constant unknowns. They also explore how many use this position as a stepping stone into law enforcement, highlighting the skills and insights gained from their experiences. (1:55): The seriousness and stress of the job (9:05): The Comm Center looks like you would expect from a TV show or movie (10:17): How long does it take to feel comfortable in the role? (11:23): Learning how to do the job (13:38): Traits and skills needed to be a 911 operator (15:24): How has this job changed you? (17:04): The biggest miscinceptions about 911 operators (18:11): Gabrielle and Nikayla share some of their most memorable calls (25:31): Why you should consider applying for a job here /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/32024787

Victim Advocates: Compassionate Heroes in Crisis Situations 06/24/2024

Victim Advocates: Compassionate Heroes in Crisis Situations In this episode of Behind the Star, Koreen Baker and Delaney Saunders from the Victim Advocates Unit discuss the critical support they provide to victims of crime and crisis, the types of calls they respond to, and how they prepare themselves mentally and emotionally for their challenging roles. Koreen and Delaney explain the importance of working closely with deputies and detectives, the resources available to victims, and the essential qualities and training required for their work. They also delve into the structure of the Victim Advocates unit and how their approach compares to other agencies nationwide. Additionally, they highlight the special role of therapy dogs in their work, including the training and significant impact these canine companions have on victims and the community. Tune in to hear personal stories, motivations, and the challenges of being a Victim Advocate, as well as some rapid-fire questions that reveal more about Koreen and Delaney's experiences and perspectives. Join us for an in-depth look at the vital work of Victim Advocates and the profound difference they make in the lives of those they serve. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/31869282

Closing a loophole in Risk Protection Orders 02/08/2024

Closing a loophole in Risk Protection Orders In the concluding episode of our series on legislative reforms, we address a loophole in Risk Protection Orders (RPOs)—the lack of penalties for providing firearms to individuals under an RPO. Sheriff John Mina proposes making it a felony to knowingly give a gun to someone under an RPO. Cristal Maisonet, assistant general counsel at OCSO, joins us to discuss the impact of this change and how it would strengthen protections against gun violence. (1:25) What is a Risk Protection Order (RPO)? (2:10) How are RPO's implemented in Florida? (7:50) Have RPO's been effective so far? (10:10) Explaining the current loophole the law (12:48) How do people respond to being placed under and RPO? (14:02) Addressing the loophole /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/29863553

Stiffening penalties for child luring crimes 02/07/2024

Stiffening penalties for child luring crimes In the third episode of our four-part series on Sheriff Mina's legislative priorities, we explore the mission to strengthen protections for our children with Lt. Chip Denmark. We discuss the current law in Florida, where luring or enticing a child under 12 into a secluded space is shockingly only a misdemeanor. Highlighting the need for change, Sheriff Mina proposes making this act a felony. (0:54) Explaining the current Florida law (1:53) Past examples of this law being applied (2:53) Electronic luring of a child is already a felony (3:41) Challenges for law enforement when it is only a misdemeanor (4:42) Explaining Sheriff Mina's goal to make it a felony /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/29845553

The fight against reckless driving and street racing 02/06/2024

The fight against reckless driving and street racing In the second episode of our four-part series, we delve into Sheriff John Mina's legislative push against the dangers of street racing, reckless driving and intersection takeovers with Lt. Mike Crabbe. Highlighting the growing menace these activities pose to public safety, the discussion covers proposed legal reforms aimed at escalating penalties, including turning second offenses into felonies and increasing fines for spectators, to deter such hazardous behavior and ensure safer streets for the community. (1:45): A brief history of OCSO's efforts to combat the problem (2:50): All of these illegal street activities are considered RVO's (4:01): Recent trends we've seen (6:38): The role of social media with reckless vehicle operation (8:26): The problem, and the public's frustration, is widespread (10:10): The Sheriff's legislative proposal to combat the problem (16:10): Success stories from the last year of tackling the issue /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/29828423

Confronting the chaos of after hours clubs 02/05/2024

Confronting the chaos of after hours clubs We dive into Sheriff John Mina's legislative initiative aimed at transforming the safety landscape of after hours clubs. Featuring guest Lt. Joseph Bellizio, the episode explores the critical need to elevate illegal alcohol sales to a felony as part of a broader effort to ensure community safety. (1:13): Strike team established in November to go after after hours clubs (4:20): What dangerous activities happen at these clubs (5:03): Biggest challenges in dealing with these clubs (6:30): What these clubs look like (7:18): Understanding the Sheriff's legislative proposal to combat these clubs (9:20): Strike team is making an impact (11:20): How the public can give tips to OCSO /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/29812093

"Zombie drug" Xylazine: A new threat in the battle against drug deaths 09/21/2023

"Zombie drug" Xylazine: A new threat in the battle against drug deaths Orange County Sheriff's Office Captain Darryl Blanford and a narcotics agent, whose identity remains undisclosed due to the sensitive nature of his work, talk about the enigmatic realm of Xylazine, a drug commonly known as "Tranq" or the "Zombie Drug." (1:39): An overview of Xylazine (5:01): Will Xylazine replace Fentanyl? (8:12): Xylazine can cause rotting of flesh in users (9:10): Because Xylazine is not an opioid, Naloxone (Narcan) does not reverse its effects (14:09): Fake pills are another major concern (18:55): Penalties for trafficking (21:26): Misconceptions about users (26:58): Ways OCSO is combating the drug problem /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/28105895

The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways 05/25/2023

The Marine Unit preps for Memorial Day weekend on the waterways Master Deputy Nick Mahon and Deputy Doug Kimberlin talk about why the Orange County Sheriff's Office has a Marine Unit, break down some of the unique parts of the job and explain some of the challenges of working on the water during summer holiday weekends like Memorial Day. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/26952546

Scent kits - What are they and how do they work? 05/12/2023

Scent kits - What are they and how do they work? For people diagnosed with a memory disorder or family members caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease, the dangers of wandering and getting lost are a major concern. The Orange County Sheriff's Office offers free Scent Preservation Kits to pre-collect and preserve a person’s unique scent ahead of time giving responding K-9 Units a head start during a search with an uncontaminated scent article. In this episode, Corporal Kyle Ramsey and Deputy Angie Keller talk about how the scent kits work and their usefulness in finding a missing person. To pick up a free Scent Evidence K-9 Collection Kit from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, come to our Central Operations Building, 2500 W. Colonial Drive, and enter the lobby that faces Colonial Drive. The lobby hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/26822418

SPORTS! - The Orange County Police Athletic League 01/24/2023

SPORTS! - The Orange County Police Athletic League The Orange County Police Athletic League provides athletic, recreational, and educational programs for kids by using dedicated Orange County Sheriff’s deputies as coaches and mentors. The deputies work at select schools in Orange County and organize flag football, soccer and basketball leagues. PAL Deputies Maurice Crum and Shawn Randall join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about sports, the students and why PAL matters. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/25713618

The Smell Test - K9 Training School 12/12/2022

The Smell Test - K9 Training School The Orange County Sheriff's Office K9s go through extensive training. On this episode, OCSO deputies Robert Lees and Angie Keller discuss K9 Tracking School, a 400-hour training course for dogs and handlers. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/25298991

Getting Deputies Ready - Basic Recruit Training 10/10/2022

Getting Deputies Ready - Basic Recruit Training New deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office must undergo Basic Recruit Training. The 8-week training teaches deputies "the Orange County Way" of law enforcement. Corporal Ken Jorgensen and Master Deputy Autumn Chouinard of the Training Section join Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to discuss Basic Recruit Training. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/24645447

Emergency Response Team - Hurricane Ian 10/04/2022

Emergency Response Team - Hurricane Ian The OCSO Emergency Response Team (ERT) is made up of more than 75 deputies whose job is to respond to emergencies, including hurricane rescue efforts. Following Hurricane Ian, the Emergency Response Team was deployed to flooded neighborhoods in Orange County to evacuate residents. Sgt. Matt Schroeder and Master Deputy Kent Matherne talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about how the team prepared for Hurricane Ian and the on-going rescue efforts across Florida. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/24581073

The Murder of John Stagner 08/15/2022

The Murder of John Stagner In August 1992, deputies at the Orange County Sheriff's Office found the body of John Stagner. An Orange County maintenance worker, Stagner had been beaten to death in his bed at a county maintenance property where he lived. Last week, Orange County Sheriff John Mina announced the arrest of Ronald Cates in connection with the murder. Corporal Dave Nutting and Detective Kevin Wilson talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the murder and how the case was solved. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/24059067

Crime Prevention: Stopping Crime Before It Happens 07/26/2022

Crime Prevention: Stopping Crime Before It Happens Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Unit work with the community to stop a crime before it can occur. Sgt. Helen Harvey and Master Deputy Stanley Murray talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Crime Prevention Unit and how a few simple upgrades can reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/23866542

Riding with the Motor Unit 06/30/2022

Riding with the Motor Unit The Orange County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit is a county-wide unit that conducts traffic enforcement as well as provides security escorts for visiting dignitaries, conducts funeral escorts and participates in community relations and educational events. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lt. Mark Conner and Sgt. Dave McDaniels of the Motor Unit about speeding and aggressive driving in Orange County, how to get them to come to your neighborhood and what it's like cruising around on a motorcycle. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/23591072

Ready Player One - The OCSO Mobile Video Game Trailer 05/17/2022

Ready Player One - The OCSO Mobile Video Game Trailer The Orange County Sheriff's Office's Mobile Video Game Theater is one of the newest vehicles at the agency. The "Game Trailer," which is decked out with some of the latest video game systems, is meant to create a connection between law enforcement and the youth in Orange County. Sgt. D'Angelo Bell and Deputy Micheaux Boyce talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the Video Game Theater and how OCSO's Community Relations Section uses it. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/23142560

The First First Responders 04/06/2022

The First First Responders If you dial 9-1-1 in Orange County, the call goes to the Orange County Sheriff's Office Communications Center. The center receives more than a million calls every year. On this episode of Behind the Star, Emergency Communications Specialist Nancy Grassi and Dispatcher Nikayla Phillip talk to host Jon Busdeker about life at the Comm Center. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/22705715

Talking About AIM: Analytics, Intelligence and Monitoring 02/08/2022

Talking About AIM: Analytics, Intelligence and Monitoring Analytics, Intelligence and Monitoring, better known as AIM, is a unit that assists deputies in real-time. With access to thousands of video feeds from across the county, detectives and analysts can monitor a situation and help deputies responding to calls for service. Sergeant Glenn Arguilla talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about AIM and how it works. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/22062437

Sector 5: The Tourist Corridor of OCSO 01/11/2022

Sector 5: The Tourist Corridor of OCSO Sector V is commonly known as the tourist corridor. Home to many attractions and hotels, as well as more than 25,000 residents, the sector includes SeaWorld Orlando, Universal Orlando and the Orange County Convention Center. Captain Joe Scutero talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about Sector 5 and its unique challenges. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/21746105

Sheriff John Mina: A Year in Review 12/21/2021

Sheriff John Mina: A Year in Review Orange County Sheriff John Mina sits down with Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker to talk about the agency and its initiatives in 2021. From the launch of the Autism Decal Program to the new policy of releasing body-cam video, Mina discusses a wide range of topics in this year in a review podcast. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/21558407

Cold Case: The Lil' Champ Murder 11/23/2021

Cold Case: The Lil' Champ Murder In 1996, Terry Paquette was murdered at the Lil' Champ convenience store in northwest Orange County. He was stabbed 73 times. The case went unsolved for more than 25 years. OCSO Det. Brian Savelli and Corporal Dave Nutting talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talk about the case, how it was solved and the man arrested for Paquette's murder. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/21259700

What's Up with the West Side?: Sector III Captain Dennis Ela 10/13/2021

What's Up with the West Side?: Sector III Captain Dennis Ela Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker returns to Sector III to talk to Captain Dennis Ela. Sector III is comprised of the western portion of Orange County and includes the communities of Pine Hills, Orlo Vista, Horizon West and more. Captain Ela is a 26-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and was assigned to Sector III in January 2021. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/20807045

Learning to Ride: OCSO Bike School 09/29/2021

Learning to Ride: OCSO Bike School Sgt. Wayne Lenihan teaches Bike School at the Orange County Sheriff's Office. During the 40-hour training sessions, deputies learn the proper way to ride a bike, including how to brake, dismount and maneuver various terrains. Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker talks to Lenihan about the class and why deputies on bikes are so vital to the agency. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/20643899

Fighting Terrorism and Crime: Central Florida Intelligence Exchange 09/20/2021

Fighting Terrorism and Crime: Central Florida Intelligence Exchange The Central Florida Intelligence Exchange, better known as CFIX, is a partnership between law enforcement agencies across the region to exchange information and intelligence. At its core, the mission of CFIX is to disrupt and deny terrorist and criminal activity. CFIX Director Matt Butler and Deputy Director Jon Cute talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about the role of CFIX and how it's protecting Central Florida. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/20535245

Service Members Wanted: The OCSO Military Recruiter 09/07/2021

Service Members Wanted: The OCSO Military Recruiter If you are active military or a veteran, the Orange County Sheriff's Office wants you. In this episode, host Jon Busdeker talks to Military Field Recruiter Rick DeMarco about where he finds military recruits, what happens if a deputy gets deployed and how OCSO is one of the best agencies in the country for hiring and supporting veterans. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/20397221

It's Da Bomb - OCSO Hazardous Devices Team 06/21/2021

It's Da Bomb - OCSO Hazardous Devices Team What happens if an explosive is discovered in Orange County? The OCSO Hazardous Devices Team, or Bomb Squad, is usually called out to dispose of it. Lieutenant Chris Hall and Master Deputy Kris Brooks talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about explosives, the bomb suit and how the team gets to blow stuff up. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/19549427

Pulse Remembered - Special Episode 06/10/2021

Pulse Remembered - Special Episode Orange County Sheriff John Mina and Undersheriff Mark Canty discuss the Pulse nightclub shooting, how law enforcement responded and how the community can honor the victims. In 2016, at the time of the shooting, both Mina and Canty worked for the Orlando Police Department. It has been five years since a gunman killed 49 people and injured dozens at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/19428722

Saving You $$$ - Economic Crimes Squad 04/15/2021

Saving You $$$ - Economic Crimes Squad The Orange County Sheriff's Office Economic Crimes Squad is responsible for investigating the crimes of identity theft, credit card fraud, check fraud, embezzlement and various other “white collar” type crimes. Detectives Brian Hummel and Jacob Devine talk to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker wild world of economic crimes and how to avoid being scammed. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/18740000

Patrolling OBT and Beyond: Sector 4 Capt. Chris Barrett 04/07/2021

Patrolling OBT and Beyond: Sector 4 Capt. Chris Barrett Sector 4 of the Orange County Sheriff's Office is made up of mostly South Orange County, including the areas around Orange Blossom Trail. Captain Chris Barrett took over the Sector in October 2020. A native of Central Florida, Barrett has been at OCSO for 25 years. Barrett talks to Behind the Star host Jon Busdeker about Sector 4, the challenges patrolling the area and what he hopes to accomplish as Captain. /episode/index/show/behindthestar/id/18641381

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